Hippopotamus Ravages Adamawa Farmlands, Farmers Demand Urgent Government Intervention

Hanny Henry

Farmers in Ketembere community, Shelleng Local Government Area of Adamawa State, have appealed to the Adamawa State Government, the Federal Government and relevant wildlife authorities to urgently intervene over the repeated invasion of their farmlands by a hippopotamus.

Yusuf Ahmed, the Community Development Officer, who also serves as the Traditional Youth Leader (Sarkin Matasa) of Shelleng, disclosed.

According to him, the affected farmlands are located close to a river inhabited by hippopotamuses, which regularly leave the water to feed on cultivated crops.

“Our farms are situated near the river where the hippopotamuses live. They come out to feed on our farm produce, including maize, rice and other crops, causing huge losses to farmers,” he said.

Ahmed noted that the recurring destruction has become a major threat to the livelihoods of residents, as farming remains the primary source of food and income for many households in the community.

He further disclosed that the menace extends beyond crop destruction, revealing that the activities of the hippopotamuses have claimed lives in recent years.

According to him, some schoolchildren lost their lives after encountering the animals while bathing in the river, highlighting the growing danger faced by residents living near the water body.

He lamented the hardship and fear experienced by farmers and residents of Shelleng, saying the continued presence of the wild animals has disrupted farming activities and endangered lives.

Ahmed appealed to the Adamawa State Government, the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Environment, wildlife authorities and other relevant agencies to urgently provide a lasting solution to the recurring human-wildlife conflict.

He stressed that timely intervention would not only protect lives and farmlands but also safeguard food security and improve agricultural productivity in the affected communities.

The residents urged the appropriate authorities to act swiftly before more crops, livelihoods and lives are lost.